Traditional Irish Music Pub Tour

This tour visits four working pubs where traditional Irish musicians perform nightly sessions. You'll experience live ceili bands and folk musicians in authentic settings - not tourist shows. The guide shares stories about Belfast's music heritage while you drink and listen alongside locals. Best for traditional music enthusiasts and cultural purists. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Kelly's Cellars, Bank Street. Key highlights: Four different sessions in one evening - compare regional playing styles, One drink included at each venue (pints or soft drinks), Sessions start after 9pm - you catch established groups mid-flow.

Price: £20

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-15

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: traditional music enthusiasts and cultural purists

Best time: Thursday to Saturday evenings; sessions weaker on Sundays and Mondays. Winter (October-March) has the most consistent traditional sessions.

Meeting point: Kelly's Cellars, Bank Street

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7:00pm Meet at Kelly's Cellars and order first drink - Guide introduces the history of Belfast's music scene during a quiet pre-session pint.

7:30pm Walk to second venue - Travel 5-10 minutes on foot to a pub hosting fiddle and bodhran players.

8:00pm Second venue drink and session - Watch musicians tune up; sessions often start by 8:30pm with 6-8 players.

8:45pm Walk to third venue - Another 5-minute walk to a different neighbourhood pub.

9:15pm Third venue and third included drink - Sessions are in full swing; you can request tunes or sit quietly.

10:00pm Final venue and fourth drink - End at a pub hosting the night's largest session, often 8+ musicians.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Kelly's Cellars, Bank Street.

• Four different sessions in one evening - compare regional playing styles
• One drink included at each venue (pints or soft drinks)
• Sessions start after 9pm - you catch established groups mid-flow
• Small groups (max 15) mean you're not separated from musicians
• No cover charge at any venue; musicians play for tips only
• Accessibility: Venues have step access at street level; some have narrow stairs to toilets. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness required for walking between pubs.

What is included: Four drinks (pint of Guinness, Smithwicks, or soft drink equivalent), Knowledgeable guide covering music history and musician stories, Walking route between four active session venues.

Not included: Food, Transport to/from meeting point, Additional drinks beyond the four included, Gratuity for musicians (though common practice). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Cash for musician tips (£1-2 per person standard), Comfortable walking shoes for 20+ minutes total walking, Warm jacket - venues can be cool in winter. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Thursday to Saturday evenings; sessions weaker on Sundays and Mondays. Winter (October-March) has the most consistent traditional sessions..

Tip: Sessions usually start after 9pm

Tip: Includes one drink at each venue

Accessibility: Venues have step access at street level; some have narrow stairs to toilets. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness required for walking between pubs..

Operator: Belfast Music Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Crown Liquor Saloon (12 min walk)
• St. Anne's Cathedral (8 min walk)
• Linen Hall Library (15 min walk)

This activity is run by Belfast Music Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; non-refundable within 48 hours.

Accessibility: Venues have step access at street level; some have narrow stairs to toilets. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Moderate fitness required for walking between pubs..

Best time to go: Thursday to Saturday evenings; sessions weaker on Sundays and Mondays. Winter (October-March) has the most consistent traditional sessions..

What time do the traditional music sessions actually start?

Sessions begin between 8:30pm and 9:30pm depending on the venue. Arriving early means watching musicians tune up and chat. Peak activity is 9:30pm onwards. Some venues continue until midnight or later, though the tour ends around 10:30pm.

Can I join the musicians or request songs?

Traditional Irish sessions follow set tunes - musicians know hundreds from memory. You cannot request pop songs or non-traditional tunes. You can request specific traditional jigs or reels if the group plays them. Most groups appreciate quiet listening; participation is for musicians only.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

All four included drinks can be soft drinks (tea, coffee, juice, or soda). Ask the guide when booking. Venues serve food, so you can eat instead of drinking. No pressure to consume alcohol - the focus is the music, not the drinks.